Hôtel de France

A former staging post dating back to the 17th Century, today the Auberge de l’Hôtel de France is an establishment full of character which serves regional, old-fashioned cuisine. Located in Châtillon-en-Bazois, a quiet little town close to Nevers and Château Chinon, this restaurant is endowed with a very pleasant interior, all old stone and wooden beams, and its large fireplace complements the warm welcome which owners Martine Lamirault and her team extend to their guests. Friendly atmosphere and pleasure of the palate are guaranteed at a very reasonable price, menus from €14.

Traditional cuisine and a warm atmosphere

The Auberge de l’Hôtel de France** also has 9 comfortable rooms for overnight stays or longer periods.

The restaurant has dishes on offer that are prepared in a traditional manner, straight out of the recipe books of yesteryear. Local products, selected for their quality and freshness, constitute the basis of local and regional specialties such as the veal sweetbreads à la morvandiote, the beef in Burgundy wine sauce, the pike perch fillet or the charolais sirloin with chanterelles. Tradition, simplicity and conviviality; those are the guiding principles at the Auberge de l’Hôtel de France.

Various menu formulas are on offer, including a children’s menu, and it is of course possible to order à la carte. A room with a capacity of 60 place settings is also available for seminars, family functions, banquets and other events. Contact the owners to obtain more information. When the weather is pleasant, it is possible to eat outside on the pleasant terrace located in the courtyard.

Places to visit and things to do

This is a very green region, endowed with a very pleasant natural setting which makes it ideal for walks and hikes in the countryside. A Véloroute bicycle trail runs alongside the Canal du Nivernais, which is well-suited to fluvial tourism on boats and barges. With its many rivers, lakes and wild ponds, the area is also an ideal locale for those who enjoy a spot of fishing.

History buffs will also find much to arouse their interest. The Bibracte Gallo-Roman archaeological site at Mont-Beuvray has its own very interesting museum, and the town of Nevers, which has probably been settled since the Gallo-Roman era, possesses a rich historical and architectural heritage, notably Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte Cathedral, the ducal Palace and Saint-Etienne Church, which are all fine examples of Medieval and Renaissance art. Note that since 3 th August, 1925, the body of St. Bernadette lies in a glass reliquary located in the chapel of the former convent of Saint-Gildard in Nevers.

Sports lovers will not lack for options either. Horse riding and water sports can be enjoyed nearby, whilst the neighbouring Parc Régional du Morvan offers many possibilities in terms of outdoor activities. Mountain-biking, rock climbing, rafting and kayaking are but a few of the pastimes awaiting visitors to the area.